Chapter 11 + 12

1) What are the main themes of the novel so far?

So far in the book we have met Bruno and his family. They use to live in a nice big house in Berlin with a maid and butler but have now moved to Auschwitz for his father's job. Bruno doesn't like it there as there is no school, he has no friends and there is nothing to do around the house. He meet's a little boy the same age his him when he goes exploring in the ''backyard.'' Some of the strong themes that come through this story is of the Jews being so malnourished  disrespected and mistreated. Compared to the German's (Nazi's) who are very disciplined, well fed and have lots of power over everyone. 

2) What are the main techniques?

Techniques that have ocurred throughout many chapters in the book include juxtaposition, alliteration, simile's allusion and visual imagery.

3) Think of 5 important questions for each of these two chapters about how important motifs and themes play a role in each chapter.

Chapter 11:

1) Why do you think the father tries to tell Bruno how to pronounce the Fuhrer's name and then after an attempt or two says ''Oh, Never Mind''? 

2) Why do you think the family is rushing to get everything perfect for the Fuhrer's arrival. Why is it important to them?

3) What is ironic when their father says to Bruno and Gretel ''You are not going to behave like children''? Do you think they understand why his says this to them? 

4) When the Fuhrer says to Gretel ''Why would you want to speak French'' how does this represent the Nazi race and belief?

5) What do you think Bruno is thinking when Maria is packing his things again ''Even the things that were nobody else's business''? 

Chapter 12:

1) How do the two different symbols reflect what is happening in the world at this time? Does this relate back to them being two little boys the same age but living completely different lives? Why?

2) Do you think Bruno's moaning and whinging about moving house is significant when Shmuel says to his he lives in one room with eleven people? Why?

3) What Bruno relate to their being hundreds of boys to? How does this differ from what Shmuel knows about this?

4) How is Bruno's innocence shown when he ask Shmuel to have dinner with him one time? Explain.

5) How and why is it ironic that Bruno doesn't want to talk about Shmuel being so skinny?